1
as in fear
an uneasy state of mind usually over the possibility of an anticipated misfortune or trouble
Dorothy's anxiety about her brother's operation kept her awake all night
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in dread
the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger
the newly discovered virus is creating considerable anxiety in the public at large
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of anxiety
Bell’s scheme, presented in a journal devoted to eugenics and geared toward optimizing dietary protein, would later resurface at another moment of food anxiety, when Walter Voegtlin was inventing the Paleo diet in the 1970s.
—
David Merritt Johns,
The Atlantic,
27 June 2026
Postpartum depression is often used as a shorthand for any perinatal mood disorder, which can include anxiety and OCD.
—
Theara Coleman,
TheWeek,
27 June 2026
States, school districts, and families are asking courts to determine whether platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube contributed to anxiety, depression, self-harm, addictive use, educational disruption, and public costs.
—
Alex Smolak,
STAT,
27 June 2026
Compared with many families, parents of autistic children often devote considerably more time and emotional energy to planning because unfamiliar environments, changes in routine, and sensory experiences can create anxiety.
—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
David Merritt Johns,
The Atlantic,
27 June 2026
Postpartum depression is often used as a shorthand for any perinatal mood disorder, which can include anxiety and OCD.
—
Theara Coleman,
TheWeek,
27 June 2026
States, school districts, and families are asking courts to determine whether platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube contributed to anxiety, depression, self-harm, addictive use, educational disruption, and public costs.
—
Alex Smolak,
STAT,
27 June 2026
Compared with many families, parents of autistic children often devote considerably more time and emotional energy to planning because unfamiliar environments, changes in routine, and sensory experiences can create anxiety.
—
Jennifer Jay Palumbo,
Forbes.com,
26 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for anxiety
Recent Examples of Synonyms for anxiety
Noun
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With the end of the month fast approaching, the migrant exodus has continued as fear of further mob attacks spreads through poor neighborhoods and informal settlements.
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Agents from Hawthorne to Manhattan Beach, Venice and Santa Monica report early inquiries on $5-million-plus properties, raising fears of speculative price spikes and even tighter inventory.
Noun
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The resulting anxiety and panic are an unfortunate side effect of a banner year for fireworks shows.
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Sandy has taken flight, but not without sending eagle-eyed viewers of the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle nest cam into a Sunday-morning panic.
Noun
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Newsom has not said if the newer version of the bill quells this concern.
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Still, British politics could become a more pressing concern for the bond market with Burnham at the helm.
Noun
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Great productions of Sondheim musicals, and this is one of those, always fill you with a certain existential dread.
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Dong recalled that dread ran deep because his tiny boat might capsize if the winds and waves picked up.
Noun
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Any worries about complacency were wiped away in the third minute when Auston Trusty fired home the opening goal and caused the stands at SoFi Stadium to shake (literally) with the noise and jumping fans.
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Reformation’s move toward the open market also signals that the time might be right — with Wall Street hitting all-time highs despite worries about inflation and AI — for fashion to jump in.
Noun
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Thibault in a news conference Tuesday said that authorities believe the incident was not related to terror.
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Meanwhile, frightful aftershocks continued to rock the area, sowing terror in a population already reaching the limits of endurance.
Noun
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Over several years, Williams and the team explored how avatars modeled on West African masks were able to avoid the uncanny valley, that unease people feel when something almost-human turns out not to be.
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Frowning, fidgeting, and exchanging furtive glances—the crowd’s unease was palpable.
Noun
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Both O’Flynn and Rhys have had spotlight episodes so far this season, but will Emmys voters see the pathos and creativity behind the laughs and frights?
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Copyright 2025, all frights reserved.
Cite this Entry
“Anxiety.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/anxiety. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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